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Results tagged ‘ Tyler Colvin ’

When looking at the 2011-12 offseason, there is one word that best describes the Chicago Cubs from top to bottom: Change.

The Ricketts group hired Theo Epstein to act as President of Baseball Operations and subsequently hired a new GM in Jed Hoyer. Payroll was cut in favor of stocking the farm system, and probably most important, many player moves were made. While the Cubs signed a plethora of young talent hoping to help the organization in the future, if not this year, many notable Cubs became “former Cubs” either by trade or free agency.

Let’s see how some of the old faces have fared thus far with their new teams:

@CubsInsider passes on word that the MLB Fan Cave is chatting with Tyler Colvin and Tony Campana today and wants your questions. Click to visit their Facebook page and submit your own. (Photo by David Durochik)

Revisit Tyler Colvin‘s off-season, as he introduces Vine Line readers to his new family and talks about a busy winter. It’s an extra look at our March cover story on the sophomore outfielder. For more insider access, subscribe to Vine Line today.

Yesterday, the Cubs released a statement on outfielder Tyler Colvin, who is in stable condition in a Miami hospital after being struck in the chest by a shattered bat. Colvin will be held for observation and his season has been said to be done.

Colvin also had some words for the fans and others who have helped him through this episode:

“I want to thank Cubs fans for their support all season, especially right now, and let everyone know that I’m doing OK,” said Colvin. “I also want to thank everyone who has helped take care of me here in Miami – the Cubs and Marlins training and medical staffs, the EMTs at the ballpark and everyone here at the hospital.

“You never want to have a season end early, and I’m disappointed that I’m not going to be able to make it through the finish line with the rest of my teammates. That being said, I couldn’t be more thankful for the Cubs organization, my teammates and the opportunity to play for Cubs fans my rookie season. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Manager Lou Piniella isn’t kidding when he keeps reiterating that “a couple of these young kids are going to win jobs.” With a camp filled with first-round draft picks, it’s easy to see why.

— Outfielder Tyler Colvin looks better than ever. I was remarking with a couple of other people during morning practice that Colvin looks like he’s put on 25 pounds. Sure enough, one baseball ops man verified that. This off-season was the first during which Colvin didn’t have an injury to rehab through. He made an impression on many last year with some great catches and timely hitting during a late-season cup of coffee. While he’s a longshot to make the team out of camp, because there’s simply no room for him, I don’t think it’ll be long before he’s back in Chicago. He’s still just 24–he was drafted out of Clemson at 20, not 21 like most juniors–and has three options left, so he’s a prime candidate to ride the shuttle back and forth from Iowa to Chicago in case something happens to an outfielder. It was pointed out to me that Colvin isn’t a guy who does well coming off the bench, so if he comes to Chicago, he will play. He hit a homer and a double in yesterday’s game.

— I am told that hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome have hit it off very well. While there was some reluctance at first, Jaramillo has helped Fukudome shorten his stride, like Soriano. This helped Fukudome stay balanced in the box, and prevents that “spinning” thing he does when things get out of whack. During BP before the game, Fukudome was solidly stinging line drives as well as hitting long home runs to rightfield. During the game, Fukudome had a solid double to centerfield.

— Starlin Castro might be fast, but watching the position players work on baserunning, it’s easy to see just how fast is Brett Jackson. The two have different gaits–Castro has long strides and covers ground in a loping sort of way, while Jackson’s shorter stride is quickened by legs like a halfback.

— Got a real good taste of High Plains Bison meat. The company was giving away samples. It is owned by Ricketts family patriarch Joe Ricketts. I have to say, it’s pretty darn good. Had a sausage with mustard, and it’s better than any hot dog.

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